﻿80pc people with diabetes live in developing countries

KARACHI: Diabetes Mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder has acquired an epidemic form with 400 million people suffering from it the world over and this figure is steadily rising and is estimated to reach 592 million by 2035.

It is also speculated that 80 percent of these people will belong to the developing countries like Pakistan.

These views were expressed by Consultant Diabetologist Dr Fatema Jawad, while moderating the event to mark the “World Diabetes Day”, organized by Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation Pakistan.

The International Diabetes Federation has declared 14th November as a day to create awareness amongst all people, to take steps to prevent Diabetes and its complications. This day pays tributes to Sir Frederick Banting, the discoverer of Insulin as he was born on 14th November.

The theme this year is “Healthy Living with Diabetes” which focuses on a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. Diet begins with a healthy breakfast, the most important meal of the day. To keep all the blood chemistry in normal ranges, the breakfast should be early and have sufficient proteins, carbohydrates and fiber. This provides the energy for a successful day’s work.

SIUT has a policy of not only providing free quality services to the masses but also to educate the public on various diseases and disorders and their prevention. World Diabetes Day is one of the awareness programs of SIUT.

The people who had come in large numbers received a free screening of blood glucose test along with their vitals such as Blood Pressure, Weight and Estimation of obesity. They were provided expert advice and also given instructions on making their health better. Dieticians, Doctors, Nurses and Educators were present to answer all their queries.

This was followed by an interactive panel session between the audience comprising of men, women and children from all walks of life and doctors from different specialties as diabetologists, cardiologist, pediatrician, nephrologist, urologist and eye specialist. Questions on all aspects of diabetes were put up which were answered by the experts.

SIUT provides services for people with diabetes who are either transplanted or have renal failure besides others going in for various types of surgeries. Creating awareness and knowledge on a better control of diabetes will protect the people from complications. Awareness in people belonging to a high risk group can prevent the manifestation of Diabetes. The message of the day was to “Act Today to Change tomorrow”.